Nanowrimo 2006; Writing Blind, "Wait, is it me? Am I wierd?"

[Garlyle]

Does anybody else think this idea is crazy?

I have no clue what I'm going to write for NaNoWriMo 2006. No plotline wants to be written and has surfaced. So I came upon a conclusion a couple days ago.

I will avoid any sort of planning until NaNoWriMo Begins

That's right. At midnight, right when NaNo begins, I will kickoff by writing. With no characters in mind, no setting, no plot. I will write and keep writing and damnit I will reach 50k words... without any preparation. And I plan to make it a pretty crazy novel. Or rather, I don't plan, so I -know- it will be a crazy novel.

The funny thing is that I'm still formulating a tiny bit of a form in the back of my head; each chapter is the story of a new character that was introduced right at the end of that of another. Cross-genres, cross-universes, cross-genders even perhaps; my novel will likely be all over the bloody place.

So... does anybody else think that the idea of going into NaNo without anything more than a lightist hint of an idea, maybe even a figment of that, is crazy and completely suicidal? Or is it just me?

[Athildur]

More people would agree that it's an idea of utter lunacy.

However, I think it's a great idea! Spontaneity (is that a word?) is a great thing, and it might even make the writing much easier. You're not bound by a lot. Or even not at all.

[Reverdy]

Whether it's crazy or not depends on your writing habits, I'd say. And I'm curious to know at the end of November how it went.

In my case, I need a plot outline. That is what saved me last year. After the first week or so, I started writing the chapters in a non chronological order. And especially during the last few days, I was so relieved that I didn't have to think about plot anymore.

This year, on the other hand, I'm still without an inkling of an idea. Has anyone seen my muse?

[Athildur]

Is your muse hot, shirtless and does the faint scent of latino linger around him?

If that't the case, I kind of...took him for myself . But you can have it back, because I only need one muse. Besides, I like Celts better anyway ^^.

[Reverdy]

*lol*

Nope, not mine. I did stumble across the one you describe the other day, and sent him on his way, to where he'll be of more use.

My muse is recognisable by her arrogant and artistocratic airs. Also, often cross-dressed.

[Garlyle]

o-o I may have accidentally dated your muse, Reveredy (That's a complex story... wait, no, wasn't your muse. This one was semi-autistic... @_@)

Well, at least you know what yours looks like. Mine shapeshifts... @_@ makes it hard to look for him...

And I'm going to be posting up this story as I write it, so... =3

[mr.stewardess]

Go on, Garlyle. I think this sounds like fun. I kind of wanted to do the same thing for my first NaNo (ie. this year), but then this story came to me one afternoon in the bathtub, you know how they do. Yeah it will feel crazy and free-fall, but I say go for it. Can't wait to see where it takes you.

[Athildur]

Garlyle, great that you're posting your story here as you write it. I'll be sure to check that the story board is accessible only by members, since the writers usually prefer it that way if they're posting it at all.

I myself will be posting the additions to my story at least up to level 5 during NaNo. After that, I don't know what'll happen. Maybe I'll post more, maybe I'll just keep it to myself and those that are going to proofread it for me. (There are still some job openings on that one )

Anyway, I'm very interested, can't wait to see what rolls out of that head of yours.

[cutegrl02]

Yea...I'm gonna have to say not having an idea is a little crazy. lol. BUT more power to you. I did that in 2004 and 2005. I didn't finish either year. It was way too hard.

[osunale]

I didn't plan last year and it worked out pretty well for me. I think that's one of the best things about NaNo: it's just you and your mind. You can be spontaneous without the stress of following a strictly planned plot, because for this one month your writing doesn't really have to be good.

The way I look at it you have to be a little crazy to attempt a novel in a month anyway, so how much more harm can it do to add a little lack of preparation? You might surprise yourself with your free-flowing brilliance.

[Garlyle]

*Laugh* Yeah, I've got a tendency to do that. At one point in my life I was writing about 12 pages every night or two nights; just for fun. And I'd literally sit myself down and force myself to write it @_@

Hmm... you know what? If anybody wants, I can put up what I have of last year's story on these boards =3 My characters need to be aired out; they've been locked up all lonely there for too long with only each other for company. And while that's not necessarily -bad-...

[Athildur]

Hey, that's what these boards are for, Garlyle. Go right ahead.

Meanwhile, I am too much of a perfectionist...I HAVE to have a good story. I couldn't live with anything else >.<

But, since I have a well-developped world now, and great characters set up, I can write fast without compromising the quality. I'll just need to work out the plot somewhat more and then I'll be good to go.

Even worse, I can totally recognise myself in my two main characters O.o

[Garlyle]

*Laugh* Don't worry about recognising yourself in your MCs, Athildur; that's actually not that bad of a thing

I swear, when I do post up my story here, watch for the younger of the two main characters... I swear to god that's the incarnation of my inner child...

[Athildur]

I see you posted it. I will take a look at it as soon as I have time to.

[Mog]

As much as I would like to have a plan, that's looking increasingly unlikely. I've switched from a fantasy where magic was based on baking (it was a dare, okay?) to an "alibi-curious" romantic comedy to something about pirates. So it looks like Garlyle and I will be in the same boat.

[ace-of-wands]

I ended up writing it blind. I really didn't mean to, but I ended up being most enthusiastic towards a plot I hadn't had a chance to write up a outline for. So, writing it blind it is!